Cell Phones Permeate U.S. Society

Communications Made Easy knows how much people depend on cell phones these days. According to the CTIA, the International Association of Telecommunications Industry, there were 262.7 million cell phone subscribers in June 2008, representing 84% of the U. S. population. Amazingly, wireless service was once projected to be a niche market appealing to a maximum of 900,000 by the year 2000. In 2008, approximately 15.8% of U.S. households are wireless-only - that is, they don't have a landline telephone.

Another important statistic - there are 296,000 e-911 emergency calls placed from cell phones each day. It's incredibly convenient and especially helpful to have immediate access to a cell phone in an emergency. It allows for quick instructions to bystanders from trained 911 operators and faster response from emergency personnel.

There's no doubt that wireless communication is going to play an increasingly important role in our society. It's the reason why so many companies are developing their mobile services and remote access. Customers are used to instant access and immediate communication, and they will appreciate, and eventually demand, that emergency messages reach them wherever they are. Just another reason why all local governments, school districts, and colleges and universities should take the steps to include cell phones and text messaging in their emergency communication plans.